After watching a round of the World Baseball Classic, it is clear to me that Bud Selig just might be able to do something right in his infamous tenure as Major League Baseball’s commissioner.
A frst round, that saw possibly the biggest underdog in competiton, the Dutchmen of the Netherlands get the job done twice against arguably the best lineup in competition. A bunch of has beens (Randall Simon, Eugene Kingsale and Sidney Ponson) played small ball. They had enough in the tank. Combine that with some great young talent, such as Greg Halman, who is considered by many to be Seattles number one prospect, and you can start to see why this time of the year is so fun.
A team, that resembles the team assembled “Major League,” more than a national team has shown that they belong on the big stage (I can vividly picture groundskeepers whispering, “they’re still shitty” in Dutch).
Who would of thunk it? a team without it’s top pitcher (Jair Jurrjens), but still winning ballgames by grinding it out, and playing solid defense. That’s the name of the game in international action. And it is why Felipe Alou and company are sitting on their couches.
Though the Dutch’s small ball and timely hitting have been my favorite part of this 2009 classic, there are other players and teams that are making an impression. Some of these could eventually lead to fantasy value in 2009. Here are some of my favorite performances and performers from the first round, with a fantasy valued twist.
From the, “So obvious even Steve Philips knows” department:
Pedro Martinez, RP Domincan Republic- Before sharply exiting, scouts and fans alike were able to see a renewed Pedro Martinez. Often appearing to spell teh lack of control in starters Edison Volquez and Johnny Cueto, The former ace was hitting his spots, with that special zip we all know and love. Topping out at 92.
Ivan Rodriguez, C Puerto Rico- One of the best remaining free agents in the market, Pudge is on a tear offensively for his country, hitting .545 with 5 RBIs and two homers. For interested teams, his defensive leadership is not in question, but it’s his offensive presence is. Rodriguez looks comfortable at the plate, and could really be a good bargain. Fantasy wise, Rodriguez is still a top 20 catcher, despite the status of his future. I really like him in AL/NL only leagues, or as one of the first backups off the board. I don’t think a solid .280 average with 12 dingers is out of the question. Especially if he plays at third or first base, which he is willing to do.
Team Venezuela-
Watching pool play with this squad has been more than entertaining, considering the great power in their lineup. Two guys in particular that nobody is talking about that could be good bench guys in 2009 are Gregor Blanco and Melvin Mora. Mora’s value is extremely low because of his inconsistency. Last year he had 100+ RBIs, hit above .283 and whacked 23 long balls. It is safe to say that he would be a great guy to fill in if third base falls through. You know he is going to hit at least .270 with 10 steals and 75-90 RBIs. For A-Rod loves, Mora is a great draft and trade player that could be used to get Rodriquez once he is “healthy”.
Blanco, though maybe still a reach in most leagues has shown his ability to hit, and his threat on the base paths. He is a guy to watch out for if Jeff Francoeur continues to struggle. Blanco got into 144 games last season, but could see a drop in playing time. Be careful with Blanco, but if he wins a job somehow, he could be an instant 20 base stealer with good run production.
The Dominican Republic-
Though he gave up the single that ultimately ended the Dominican’s WBC, Carlos Marmol looked outstanding to me in the pressure situation. We know he has the stuff to be the closer, no doubt about that, It is just up to Cubs management to see where Marmol is more valuable. If Marmol were the confirmed closer for opening day, I would slate him in the second tier of closers behind Jon Papelbon, Mariano Rivera, Joakim Soria, and Joe Nathan. Speaking of downright gas, Ubaldo Jimenez looked outstanding against the Netherlands. Jimenez, who is a power pitcher that lacks control at times, but gets big strike outs, is a must have on draft day. Here’s why: 1.) he gets strikeouts 2. he is a ground ball pitcher at COORS FIELD (Yes, it is possible). Jimenez reminds me of a more polished Justin Verlander, and could be your number two or three pitcher drafted.
Who is Shin-Soo Choo?- Though he hasn’t made a big name for himself as the DH for Team Korea, Shin-Soo Choo is a player that could definitely help your squad out in almost any format of play. After hitting .309 with 66 RBIs and 14 homers with the Indians, it became clear that he could be here to stay. I remember wondering why they are giving this kid a chance last season. Now I know. He has power, speed, average, and RBI potential. This Cleveland outfield probably has the most fantasy “promise” than any other squad. (Choo, LaPorta and Sizemore is one hell of a combination.)
The Ones that ‘would of’ done damage in 2009- This is what I love about the World Baseball Classic. There are many competitors, who will not be in the Major Leagues when April rolls around. They won’t even be affiliated with Bud Selig’s league.
Take for example Yu Darvish, a pitcher who many consider the best prospect in the world. You guessed it! Even better than current Japan teammate Daisuke Matsuzaka. Darvish has some nasty stuff. Combine that with other teammate Hisashi Iwakuma who won the Sawamura Award in Japan after posting a 21-4 record with a 1.87 ERA. He was the first 20 game winner in the Pacific League since 2003. Nobody else in the WBC had 21 wins last season.
There have been many impressive relievers, including Robbie Cordemans and Leon Boyd of the Netherlands, but beyond Peter Moylan in the 2006 WBC, other relievers have not sparked interest, and I don’t see that being the case this season either.
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FanSided
Zach Thompson
